Man murdered in Mosta - was undergoing proceedings for Marsascala shootings
A 46-year-old man from Marsascala was shot dead in Mosta this morning in the second murder today.
He was identified as Joseph Cutajar, known as Il-Lion, who was undergoing court proceedings after having been accused of the murder of Kevin Gatt, 32 of Ghaxaq and Stephen Zammit 32 of Fgura.
They were shot on March 15 in an underground complex of garages in Marsascala. Cutajar was out on bail.
People on the scene said that Cutajar was found in a pool of blood on the ground with his feet still in a car - a Green Toyota, with the wipers still working. He had been driving the car and was shot several times, possibly by an assailant who had been waiting for him.
The incident happened at about 8.30 a.m. in Mill Street.
It is not known if there is a link between the two cases.
The Mosta murder scene this morning.
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73 Comments
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Elayne Cuschieri
Dec 13th 2012, 21:08
Oh how I would love to be a detective right now!
MONICA GALEA
Dec 12th 2012, 17:09
A while ago someone said that they will not live in Toronto, Canada because of the shootings that occurred there. And for two shooting to occur in one day in Malta that is something else compared to the city of Toronto.
Mr Kevin Zammit
Dec 12th 2012, 21:16
that was in the middle of a crowd ... in a shopping mall ... and innocent bystanders suffered.
and nobody said we're perfect either ... keep in mind that even with these murders Malta's murder rate is still much lower than TOs
S.M. Cuschieri
Dec 12th 2012, 21:44
@ Mr. kevin Zammit
Of course the rates are lower!! Alla hares le! We are a miniscule island of 450000 population....!!!!!
Sandra Balzan
Dec 13th 2012, 02:07
So true. Now a days no matter where we live no one is safe, we are all on the same page
Mr Kevin Zammit
Dec 13th 2012, 08:28
@cuschieri
rate means murders per 100K (K=thousand btw)
Graham Allman
Dec 12th 2012, 16:41
i agree that bail conditions are to lenient in Malta,bail should be denied to people who are a flight risk or a danger to witnesses the general public or themselves and this man obviously came within this framework. Also i see there are the usual comments about gun ownership. every time there is a crime involving firearms its legal gun owners that suffer the backlash with tighter controls.
Eve Axiaq
Dec 12th 2012, 15:25
Ghalfejn tistagghbu ghax bniedem akkuzat bi qtil qijad fuq bail? Skond il-ligijiet Ewropej taghna bniedem ma jistax jaghmel aktar minn xi tmien xhur taht arrest. Meta jghidu baqa mizmum il-habs huwa kollu cajt ghax meta jghaddu tmien xhur taghmel rikors li qed jiksrulek il-drittijiet ewropej u tohrog.
Wilfred Camilleri
Dec 12th 2012, 14:58
Many people on these blogs keep uttering that they want Malta to be like other countries! Well, guess whatever, Malta us becoming like other countries. Two murders in one day, drugs, etc., etc. Congratulations Malta.
Alfred Dimech
Dec 12th 2012, 15:26
Oh, in some respects we're ahead of other countries as well. Count the number of child abuse cases that occur in Malta on children by members of their own family.
victor bonello
Dec 12th 2012, 16:14
This is serious, it does not really help our Tourist trade. Am sure the root of most problems are Drugs - and in my opinion not enough has been done about it.
Giorgio Greco
Dec 12th 2012, 16:38
Were have you been living all your life? These things always happened everywhere, whether it is in Malta or any other EU country. May I also remind you, before you scaremonger even more, that Malta is statistically one of the safest countries on the PLANET. And yes mr Bonello, drugs could be the root... because drugs are still left in the hands of criminals instead of being controled by the state!
M Fava
Dec 12th 2012, 18:30
@Giorgio Greco Well done!
Mark Anthony Fenech
Dec 12th 2012, 14:15
CSI galore lol... That's what springs to mind when reading some of the more 'enlightened' comments.
Peter Murray
Dec 12th 2012, 14:01
Whilst this is clearly perceived by many as a sort of justice we cannot alllow ourselves to bypass due process and legal remedies-however ineffectual,time-consuming and unjust they may be-and go back to a kangaroo court "wild west" style of justice .Why not disband the police force and allow "justice" to be applied as and when deemed appropriate?Murder charge suspects should not be allowed bail
Joseph N. Attard
Dec 12th 2012, 13:49
No more need to wonder and gape at Mafia doings next door in Sicily.
Jay Oatmon
Dec 12th 2012, 13:16
The problem is underpinned by ineffective weak government and courts run by those only interested in feathering theer own nests and their families: -
“The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men” — Plato.
Ms Maria Vella
Dec 12th 2012, 15:58
Oh really?
A Galea
Dec 12th 2012, 12:53
Being accused of two murders and he's left running around freely.
What can you say more about our judicial system?
John Vella
Dec 12th 2012, 12:26
Justice delayed is justice denied. Law courts need to stop pussy footing, put their sleeve up and start to process their back log.
Maybe Franco Debono was right after all!
E Bonnici
Dec 12th 2012, 12:10
"Then Jesus said to him [Peter], 'Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by it.'" Matthew 26:52
W. Cassar
Dec 12th 2012, 12:32
I think that is called common sense.
Clive Williams
Dec 12th 2012, 11:30
Hallu l-Pulizija jamlu xolom imbat nitkellmu.
Giorgio Greco
Dec 12th 2012, 16:39
100%
Dennis Agius
Dec 12th 2012, 11:08
He who plays with Fire, dies with fire.
is this a sort of Blood Revange?
Michael Camileri
Dec 12th 2012, 12:34
It sounds better using:
'Live by the sword, die by the sword'
adrian agius
Dec 12th 2012, 11:02
The bail system in Malta has to be revamped.
Imagine a stray bullet hitting a young kid !!!!
V. Cauchi
Dec 12th 2012, 11:17
It should be kept in mind preventive custody or pre-trial detention serves two purposes: 1. to keep persons accused of violent crime off the streets to protect public safety; 2. to safeguard such persons themselves from transversal payback crimes.
Peter Agius
Dec 12th 2012, 12:43
@V.Cauchi
Very well said. Prosit.
But the criminal lawyers seem to think otherwise. Now they have their very sour answer.
Grace Scicluna
Dec 12th 2012, 22:15
of course it should .I don't know how many times I thought of killing my brother's murderer . The one who killed my brother in broad daylight,is still walking the streets on bail . There is no justice in Malta. My mother died too crying over her youngest son death ,he was her baby . I really wish I had the guts to avenge his murder. because there is NO JUSTICE IN MALTA.no bail to killers
Joseph Mifsud
Dec 12th 2012, 10:57
I might be too blunt or cold, but strictly speaking I don't care much about this kind of murder since they are between criminals. The justice didn't got rid of them in the correct way so they get rid of each other in their own way. Still I think that in our country justice is too poor and can't be otherwise.
Shirley Debono
Dec 12th 2012, 11:05
Well said Mr Mifsud.
John B. Borg
Dec 12th 2012, 12:30
We must care and be worried about a murder in broad daylight- 08.30 according to reports in a busy street involving a person awaiting criminal proceedings. Innocent passers by could have been killed in this case.
John Dalton
Dec 12th 2012, 13:16
Mr Mifsud and Shirley Debono, What if innocent Children or Adults had been caught in the crossfire or indeed had been walking on the pavement when the car left the road. Would you still not care much about this kind of murder
James Dewar
Dec 12th 2012, 16:20
To an extent many would agree except for the fact that innocent members of the public including children are likely to be killed or injured in these criminal feuds. Perhaps better in future if all accused persons in such crimes are held in cxustody pending trial for their own safety and the safety of others.
Charles Vella
Dec 12th 2012, 10:51
My comments have nothing to do with this case. Unfortunately, we are living in a society of hedonism, where everyone is so full and in love with him self. Seeing photos of people male and female showing their abdominals and photos in underwear. It makes me puke.
Social order is deteriorating and every one is implementing the reasoning 'i'm okay, **** you jack' - Is this what life is all about?
A A Camilleri
Dec 12th 2012, 11:09
i know you said your comments has nothing to do with this, but if you are going to comment at least stick to the story, for a minute i thought these people where running about in their underpants!!
D. Muscat
Dec 12th 2012, 10:42
Inkredibbli kif fil-kummenti kullhadd jippretendi li hu bozza tal-gherf u jfajjar gudizzji bl-addocc
Sarah Camilleri
Dec 12th 2012, 10:35
We need to reform the bail system - how can we accept the fact that people accused of murder are running freely around in our streets waiting for their court case to be concluded?
JIMMY ATANASIO
Dec 12th 2012, 13:48
because that's the way it is.everybody is entitle to bail unles they are a flight risk.it sounds to me like malta is becoming another new york
anthony sultana
Dec 12th 2012, 10:34
@ Mario Busittil
is the most comment that make sense,yes think twice before hurting someone for no reason at all,but to have fun or to make money out of a simple person.No need of harder punishment just respect to all.Helping each other in time of need,is the best solution.
Pauline Busuttil
Dec 12th 2012, 10:08
Hemm bzonn li jsir studju serju u bis-serjeta u li ma jinheba xejn fuq tfal u zghazagh li ghadhom gol skola/ kulleggi jew istituzjonijiet ohra biex jekk hemm xi tfal li ghandhom tendenza vjolenti jew li ghandhom karattru difficli niehdu hsiebhom minn issa. Hemm tfal li ma jibzaw minn hadd u minn xejn u li qed narawha gol skejjel u kulleggi. Jekk ma niehdux hsiebhom il quddiem kriminali ser issiru
Seamus Riolo
Dec 12th 2012, 12:07
Ghandek zball kbir sihbi, Et titfa il kull min andu certu atitudni taht l istess linja u et tizbalja. Inti et tisaportja li naqbdu nikundizjonaw it tfal min meta jkunu zar biex ntuwom il karatru "ideali" al meta jikbru? I.E Brainwashing?
Skuzani, Imma min jitwiled b attitudni ribeluza kontra is sistema ma jfisirx li la jikber ha jkun kriminal.
Seamus Riolo
Dec 12th 2012, 12:08
Anzi tip ta nies ek, ghandna bzonom, bis saha tahom li kultant jinqalaw revoluzjonijiet kontra gvernijiet koroti li jkunu et jigbdu siq il poplu min taht u 90% tan nies ma jindunawx imma dawn in nies jindunaw ax ikunu twildu bit talent li jirigetaw is sistema min meta twildu.
Seamus Riolo
Dec 12th 2012, 12:10
Li et nejt: ma jfisirx li ax ma tibza min hadd int ha tkun kriminal. Jien wihed minom, Min dejjem irigetajt l awtorita, Qat ma flaht xi had jikmandani x namel b hajti jew jikundizjonani as sistema tijaw, U adni sisa ek avolja andi 22sena. Madana kollu , kriminal minix, inteligenti, nzom ruhi attiva u fi stat tajjeb iktar mil avarage joe, nahdem fit teknologija, u ergajt qbat nistudja. Igifiri...
John Borg
Dec 12th 2012, 09:57
The end of the world is really coming but not in terms of an apocalypse but through the loss of morals, values, the use of drugs, alcohol, illegal substances, lack of respect for the law and for others, treating human life as nothing more than an object but in terms of shootings, abortion, rape, sexual and physical abuse.
If this isn't the end then what is? Come on, hit LIKE I'm sure you agree
Luke Lanzon
Dec 12th 2012, 10:38
No like, and I definitely do not agree, as Mr Raymond S. Vella said the world past through 2 world wars, the cold war which could have put the world to its knees, the Vietnam war, the Gulf war, the wars in Yugoslavia and probably more which I haven't mentioned just last century, and yet you Mr John Borg here is saying this is the end of the world because of two murders??
Charles Vella
Dec 12th 2012, 11:01
I agree with Mr John Borg. Womens, and guys photos espeially on face book, and those who think are sooo good looking! Most in underwear, and bare behinds! On facebook, not a porn website! These people are too much in love with them selves! And do you think these people have respect for others? NO! It's a world of hedonism, and once their looks vanish it's the dust bin, as no one would want them!
Anthony Falzon
Dec 12th 2012, 09:54
How many people would commit murder knowing that if they are caught they will be given the death penalty within six months ? How many people will commit an armed robbery knowing that if caught they will spend 15 years in prison not just 3 years?
Michael Grech
Dec 12th 2012, 09:58
Look at statistics in the US... you'll see that the answer is 'a lot' to both questions
JIMMY ATANASIO
Dec 12th 2012, 13:56
i agree with you sir.our judical system is in need of revamping.not just malta but all over the world.same thing happens here in canada.a man only got five years for killing his wife.just like the bible says a life for a life
Mr raynond ciancio
Dec 12th 2012, 09:45
i think the law is after easier prey, and the prisons are full of people that cannot afford to pay vat exorbitent fines rather than dangerous people of the sort. leave the prisons for these kind of people and not for somebody that might have slipped and forgot to send in his vat returns.
Lucienne Dimech
Dec 12th 2012, 09:45
How come so many possess all these arms? I always thought that it was rather difficult to obtain an arms permit On this island or are we becoming infant extension of Texas?
Marc Cassar
Dec 12th 2012, 09:56
LD - Get out & see the real world!!!
Anyone can get a gun illegally.... as easy as doing your Xmas Shopping. Just need to know who has them in stock and is selling them.
Getting the licence is the hard bit - and so it should be, but if I wanted a gun for illegal purposes... i would not be stupid enough to register it with the police
V. Cauchi
Dec 12th 2012, 10:00
The police or some historian would do well to come up with statistics on the origin of handguns during the past few years, like their make, origin, registration and whether they were legally imported. It helps to learn from experience.
Eric Camilleri (Q)
Dec 12th 2012, 10:03
It always baffles me how come there is always someone who has to make such a remark. Do you really believe that a criminal will ever bother with obtaining a permit to get his hands on a gun and commit a crime with it ? Have you ever asked yourself how come drugs are illegal yet the island is full of it ?
Michael Spiteri
Dec 12th 2012, 11:01
Ms Lucienne Dimech, if I may.
Do you really think for one second that an honest and law abiding citizen with a firearms permit will go around shooting people?
It is common knowledge that it is the criminals that purchase firearms illegally with the intent to commit offences with them.
People kill people, not firearms.
JIMMY ATANASIO
Dec 12th 2012, 13:58
if fire arms are obtained illigally then you don't need a permit.happens a lot here
Martin Saliba
Dec 12th 2012, 17:39
You would be really , really dumb if you murdered someone with a registered weapon .
Chris Agius
Dec 12th 2012, 18:03
Lucienne, with all due respect, you have no idea what you are talking about. No licensed gun owner with a registered gun would dream of using his weapons for such a crime. Firstly, all of us licensed gun owners are law abiding citizens, who go through a competent course and police vetting, exam and approval. Secondly. licensed guns are traceable to their owners if used in a crime.
Amanda Sciberras
Dec 12th 2012, 09:34
The second one today in the early hours of the day, its terrifying.
anthony sultana
Dec 12th 2012, 09:44
Amanda before you start panic ,wait for the motive to be identified .Let the police do theirs first.
P Mangion
Dec 12th 2012, 09:54
@ A Sultana
so according to you if the motive was valid than the murder is justified?
Mr Andre Borg
Dec 12th 2012, 15:14
@ P Mangion: YES
E Schembri
Dec 12th 2012, 09:26
Where is our justice system???
Too many criminals running lose on our streets with suspended sentences and bailouts.
Malta is no longer the safe place it was in the 90's. Seems nobody is afraid of the law any more and criminality seems to offer more benefits than observing the law does.
We need an efficient strong justice system and 10 times more police patrols and roadblocks.
Michael Grech
Dec 12th 2012, 09:41
Mr Schemberi, I'm afraid a stronger 'justice system' (whatever that means), more police and roadblocks will not prevent more of this. The causes lie deeper. I think sociologists, politicians, serious NGO's (a rarity) and others should start asking question why in our supposedly happy and affluent society, phenomena like violence crime, drugs, people disappearing, and others are on the increase?
Trevor Lee
Dec 12th 2012, 09:48
Your second sentence says it all.
Marc Cassar
Dec 12th 2012, 09:50
E Schembri - You seem to know who did it. contact the police once you are so sure. that way, they can concentrate on other aspects of Law Enforcement.
T Mifsud
Dec 12th 2012, 09:52
Michael Grech spot on! Super control will only worsen it as the criminals go deep underground. There is something yet intangible that has gone wrong in this society. It has got to do with stress, social pressure, family issues, money etc. Maybe better enjoyable education, family fun activities, feel good factor needed. Something to do with values has gone wrong.
Mario Busuttil
Dec 12th 2012, 09:53
Illum ma trid twegga lil hadd,ghax ser issib min iweggak b'xi mod jew iehor...anki jekk ikun hemm il Pulizija kull kantuniera ,ghax min irid ipattija lil xi hadd .....Hadd ma huwa ser izommu u inutli inwahhlu fil Gustizzja!!!!
James Dewar
Dec 12th 2012, 16:25
As a non resident but frequent visitor over the past thirty years I sadly agree with your sentiments and that is not a good situation either for the Maltese or visitors to their country.
T Mifsud
Dec 12th 2012, 09:24
What the hell is going on?
John Dee
Dec 12th 2012, 10:53
What is going on is complete breakdown of a pathetic legal system Mr Mifsud. Too many let-offs, suspended sentences, court delays and stupid judgements (eg Mellieha's "gay' hit and run approval), and a fall in the general awareness of the need for some standard of moral values at all levels in the community.
Please choose the reason of your report below: